JAGUAR REVIVES THE E-TYPE WITH ALL-ELECTRIC ZERO MODEL

8th October, 2018

The Jaguar E-type of the 1960s remains one of the world’s most iconic sports roadsters, so motoring enthusiasts worldwide will be thrilled to hear of its return to production – albeit in all-electric form.

The E-type Zero is structurally identical to the 1961 original, but inside the inline six engine has been replaced by a 40kWh lithium-ion battery of matching size and weight. Just behind that, an electric motor and transmission drive power to the rear wheels, giving the Zero a 0-100kmph time of just 5.5 seconds – about second quicker than the original. The real-world range is claimed to be 270km, which sounds eminently practical to us.

The E-type Zero will be produced by Jaguar Land Rover Classic using much of the technology from the company’s first all-electric vehicle, the i-PACE. It’s expected to go on sale in 2020, with technical spec and pricing details still to be confirmed.

Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director said:

E-type Zero showcases the incredible heritage of the E-type, and the expertise and craftsmanship at Classic Works, while demonstrating Jaguar Land Rover’s dedication to creating zero-emission vehicles across every part of the business, including Jaguar Classic.

Interestingly, because the straight-six and the new electric powertrain are identically-sized, Jaguar can convert a variety of its old models from petrol- to electric-power. In fact, the company is offering this as a service, which means owners of anything from a 1950s XK120 to a 1990s XJ6 will be able to give their classic a zero-emissions makeover. At a price, of course…

GadgetNET says: Not only is the E-type Zero almost certainly the most beautiful all-electric car ever launched, its powertrain opens up possibilities for the electric reinvention of existing decades-old Jags. Genius!

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Written by:

Rob Follis has been writing about tech on and off for over 40 years, is a designer, photographer, information omnivore, gadget-head, Hi-Fi afficionado, owner of far far too many things and sadly an unsuccessful app developer. A born & bred Londoner now happily living in Melbourne. Email Rob.

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